2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2011 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 295 kg more than 2011 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | M3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
